Page 69 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2019- Online Magazine
P. 69
WWII
VIetnam War
Jack spent the next 12 years with the
Air Force, traveling to Panama (twice)
and Egypt and seeing more of the
world. In Panama, the airmen had the
freedom to leave the base. Jack was
able to take the train from the base to
see the Atlantic and the Pacific - all in
one day. In Egypt, there was no such
freedom. The airmen had to stay on the
base for two weeks, except one official
excursion to see the pyramids up close.
He reached the rank of Master Sergeant
but didn’t want to go higher. It got
him out of the difficult jobs and kept
him away from a desk and reports. He
finally retired, at the age of 65, with
and the Meritorious Unit Commendation after the 22½ years of military service.
Vietnam War for outstanding service and garnered Jack now lives in Clovis, New Mexico and is a
the title “The Professionals”. Jack said that he did not member of the Local VFW 3280, American Legion
like the Vietnam “bees” which was actually enemy 25 and Fraternal Order of Eagles 3245. He goes to
sniper fire. However, he did think it was better to hear the local senior center where he helps serve lunch to
the bees … than NOT! His worst duty was spending “old folks” and goes dancing on Saturday nights (if
nights in the jungle. The Sea Bees would occasionally there is a good band). Jack is 94 years old and looking
have to go into the jungle with the Marines to extend forward to the celebration of 95! You will always see
the parameter fencing and early warning devices for him wearing his World War II Veteran hat, which he
the protection of the base. Once there, they had to stay very proudly displays every day.
until the job was complete, including many overnight
stays. The Sea Bees’ motto is “CAN DO!” and they
did. They were always prepared, carrying both tools
and guns.
The Sea Bees loved having the Vietnamese children
come to visit each day. They gave the kids candy
and, to their parents, money and medicine to help
feed the kids and keep them healthy. They quickly herrin
learned that, if the Vietnamese children did not
come to visit on any given day, there would be
“incoming” mortar rounds that night. The Lone h real estate
Star Battalion only lost three of theirs while in
Vietnam. One night while on “watch”, these three
were in the same foxhole which received a direct ron herrin broker
hit. 806.773.6512
After returning from Vietnam, Jack was due to “re- ronherrin1@gmail.com
h Lubbock Senior Link 69
up” and chose to try out the Air Force Reserves.
